Bangor Grammar School

Robert Ward of Castle Ward, a local politician and gentleman, was responsible for the initial funding for the establishment of Bangor Grammar School through his will. As the fourth son of Bernard Ward, the 1st Viscount Bangor, and grandson of Michael Ward, Robert Ward allocated £1,000 for the establishment of a school focused on Mathematics, Astronomy, and Navigation for boys. This school, initially named Bangor Endowed School, was situated on the current Bank of Ireland site at the junction of Main Street and Central Avenue.  However, as the 20th century began, the school rebranded as Bangor Grammar School and had to relocate multiple times due to an increase in its population. With the aid of W.K. Crosby, the school was able to settle on College Avenue in 1906. The school's current exterior from College Avenue consists of Crosby House, constructed in 1905 and named after the school's benefactor, and a north extension that served as the Headmaster's residence, which was added around the start of The Great War (1914–1918).  It's important to note that although Northern Ireland was exempted from conscription during both World Wars, many students from Bangor Grammar School voluntarily enlisted in the British Armed Forces. Despite having a relatively small student population at the time, just reaching 200 students in 1930 compared to 936 in 2008, their participation was particularly noticeable during the Second World War (1939–1945). The school has erected two plaques in the assembly hall commemorating those former students who died while serving in the military during both World Wars. Additionally, records from the school's Debating Society document discussions on critical events of the time, including the Munich Agreement.